Train your Dogto be

Normally, a person can feel the warning signals of LOW BLOOD SUGAR (sweating, shaking, nausea, and confusion); however, some are unable to feel these symptoms and are thus unaware that their blood sugar is dropping or is dangerously low. This can lead to seizures, brain damage, or passing out while driving – Diabetic Alert Service Dog : a dog that gives a trained signal to alert its partner to low or high blood sugar levels.

I would like to introduce a dear friend Nina Bondarenko. Australian-born, Nina is a specialist Animal Behaviour consultatant and coach. She is a TV and Radio presenter, author artist and lecturer. Nina can train your dog to be a Diabetic Alert Dog by guiding and training your dog to alert you in advance of low (hypoglycemia) or high (hyperglycemia) blood sugar events before they become dangerous, so that you can take steps to return their blood sugar to normal, such as using glucose sweets or taking insulin

The dogs are trained to accompany their owners wherever they travel in the manner as guide dogs and assistance dogs.The training process is done much like that of a termite detection dog. The dog is rewarded for finding a high blood sugar (it is supposed to smell like tutty fruity gum) or the low blood sugar that is supposed to smell like rusty water or nail polish remover.

Tarra Robinson, who after having Type 1 diabetes her entire life, became unaware of her low blood sugars, a condition known as hypo-unawareness. She began passing out at work and crashed her car due to unexpected lows. An insulin pump and a continuous glucose monitor didn’t improve the situation. She then began the training process with her Lab/Golden Retriever mix named Duchess.

Diabetes Alert Dogs, which are trained to detect the scent of low blood sugar levels, are right 90% of the time, according to Nina. Dogs are trained to lick the hand if they senses a low. When a diabetic sleeps, the dog will stand guard and get on top of the person to try and wake them is she smells a low.

If you would like a telephone chat with Nina write to me at david@thedogman and I will introduce you to the wonderful lady. Nina will be in Barcelona in a few weeks and will be able to pop down and start by taking samples from you etc and then the training starts in your home. How proud would you be if your dog was able to do this for you. Likewise if your handicapped in any way and would like your dog to assist you, then let me introduce you to Nina.